The Scottsboro Boys Part 1: Powell v. Alabama (1932)

Untold Stories: The Cases That Shaped the Civil Rights Movement

In this episode I look at the famous case of the Scottsboro Boys, the case that inspired Harper Lee to write her beloved novel To Kill a Mockingbird. In 1931, nine black boys, ages 13-19, were arrested, tried, and convicted of the brutal rapes of two white women, Ruby Bates and Victoria Price. Eight of the nine men were sentenced to death before having their convictions overturned not once, but twice, by the U.S. Supreme Court. This episode discusses the facts surrounding the first case that went to the Supreme Court, Powell v. Alabama (1932). If You Want to Learn More: Book: Black Trials: Citizenship from the Beginnings of Slavery to the End of Caste by Mark Weiner Documentary: Scottsboro Boys: An American Tragedy Twitter: @plaookesworld Instagram: @palookesworld www.palookesworld.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCvWkh1FxD-EbUQRAxmou37Q